The crucial match in Group A looms as Mexico face an incredibly tough challenger in Croatia. A win or draw will see Miguel Herrera’s team through to the round of sixteen for the sixth straight World Cup.

Mexico are coming off a glorious performance against Brazil. This followed a solid showing with Cameroon. Mexico has everything going their way, but now face a Croatia side who should feel pretty good about their chances as well.

If Croatia lacked in confidence, their dismantling of Cameroon filled in any of those gaps. This game will see two teams in top form with everything to play for. It’s one not to miss.

This matchup will be decided by the battle in the midfield. Croatia’s talented core is terrifying to Mexico supporters. Not many World Cup rosters feature a midfield as deep with world-class talent as this Croatia side. Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, and Ivica Olic all have the ability to take control of this match.

Mexico’s Hector Herrera will be a key player for Mexico in their match with Croatia (Picture: AP Photo)

El Tri will need continued stellar performances out of Andres Guardado and Jose Juan ‘Gallito’ Vazquez to control the space given to Modric and Perisic. They will need to be contained as much as possible, while pushing forward to keep Rakitic pinned back in defense. Vazquez, in particular, will be crucial in keeping the team calm and moving toward smart possession.

Porto’s Hector Herrera will also be critical for Mexico. Herrera is coming off a surprisingly weak showing against Brazil. He was sloppy in his passing and generated little going forward. His force of nature, aggressive play going from box to box will need to resurface to take control in midfield and slow the Croatian build-up.

Accounting for Mario Mandzukic will of course be important, but Ivica Olic may just create an even greater threat to El Tri. Olic’s ability to create dangerous opportunities from anywhere on the pitch could crack the Mexican defense.

Mexico are susceptible to attacks with speed on the wings, as their Miguel Layun and Paul Aguilar are not natural defenders. Modric linking play with Olic streaking down the flanks should be of the utmost concern to the Mexican defense.

If Mexico play to their potential, they will be able to hold up to Luka Modric and company. Anything less and this could be their last match in Brazil.